THN had previously and excitedly revealed the first BAFTA ‘Breakthrough Brits’ list recently and tonight they came together with industry powerhouses to take part in someinspirational sessions, before attending an evening reception at Burberry.

The first ever BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry, were chosen by a jury of industry experts after an open call for the UK’s future stars of film, television and games. The successful talented individuals were announced last month as: actors Paul Brannigan, James Floyd, Tom Holland, Ade Oyefeso, Chloe Pirrie, and Sharon Rooney; writers/directors Rowan Athale and Zam Salim; writer Dominic Mitchell; game developers Oliver Clarke, Mitu Khandaker and Dan Pearce; game designers Rex Crowle and Sophia George; broadcaster Arthur Williams; and producers Ed Barratt and Nisha Parti.

Many influential industry figures, many of whom are past BAFTA winners, shared their expert advice during the day, and included: film producers Barbara Broccoli (the James Bond franchise) and Duncan Kenworthy(Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill); agent Jenne Casarotto; game developer Georg Backer from Hotsauce Interactive; creator of the SingStar games Paulina Bozek; Director of BBC Academy, and BAFTA Deputy Chair Anne Morrison; actor Daniel Kaluuya (Skins, Black Mirror) and screenwriter Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, The Hour).

The evening reception at the Burberry flagship store was attended by industry figures including: Josh Berger, President & MD, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland & Spain; Sophie Turner Laing, MD of Entertainment, News and Broadcast Operations at Sky; and producers David Parfitt (Parade’s End) and Rebecca O’Brien (My Name Is Joe); as well as actors Joseph Mawle (Game of Thrones) and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits), British musician Tinie Tempah, SB.TV Founder Jamal Edwards, and actor/director Dexter Fletcher (Wild Bill, Sunshine on Leith). Work from the ‘Breakthrough Brits’ was showcased during the event.

Amanda Berry, Chief Executive Officer at BAFTA, had this to say:

“We are thrilled to celebrate our inaugural Breakthrough Brits: 17 talented people who show immense promise. We have received the most incredible support from Burberry, who share our dreams and aspirations for this initiative, as well as established industry professionals who have provided inspiration and guidance to our Breakthrough Brits.”